Nov 19, 2021 · Mercury sent astronauts to space for longer periods of time than previously. This allowed NASA to learn more about space's effects on the human body—in preparation for sending humans to the Moon. NASA was also able to test and refine key technologies. The Gemini program flew 10 crews to space, and included feats such as the first U.S. spacewalk.

Jun 4, 2021 · Cernan flew on Gemini IX-A with Tom Stafford as his commander, part of a series of short missions with the two-astronaut Gemini spacecraft in 1966. These flights aimed to develop experience in EVAs and in rendezvous and docking, techniques needed if the U.S. was going to land on the Moon by the end of the decade.

Dec 15, 2015 · The Gemini VII spacecraft was the heaviest ever launched, a bit over 3,636 kg (8,000 lbs.), in part because of the extra food and water supply, and in part because the capsule was retrofitted for a transponder to return the radar signal from VI-A. Working long hours, pad crews cleaned up the launch damage and re-erected the other vehicle.

Mar 16, 2021 · This view of Gemini VII from VI-A in December 1965 shows the spacecraft’s orbital configuration. The OAMS thrusters on the white adapter module include the large translation ones at center and the smaller attitude control thrusters …

This fuel cell is a test version of the electric-power generating device used on the two-astronaut Gemini spacecraft during seven missions in 1965-66. It was run for over 1000 hours to demonstrate long-duration functioning. A fuel cell is like a battery, in that it uses a chemical reaction to create an electrical current.

This is a 1:4 scale model of the Gemini spacecraft as it appeared in orbit. The black reentry module with two hatches had the pressurized crew cabin and the heat shield. Unlike the Mercury and Apollo spacecraft, Gemini did not have an escape tower to pull it away from the booster during a launch emergency. Instead the astronauts had ejection seats.

The thirteenth was spacecraft 3A, which began life as a boilerplate vehicle. Early in 1963 NASA decided it needed a replacement for spacecraft 3, which would be used for the first Gemini manned flight rather than altitude chamber tests. 3A was employed in hatch-opening tests and then was rebuilt as a flight-qualified vehicle, lacking only a ...

A heat shield protected the Gemini spacecraft against the enormous heat of reentry into the atmosphere beginning at a velocity of more than 27,500 kilometers (17,000 miles) per hour. Like those of other early manned spacecraft, Gemini's heat shield derived from ballistic-missile warhead technology.

This model shows the complete, two-astronaut Gemini spacecraft as it appeared in orbit. The black reentry module with two hatches had the pressurized crew cabin and the heat shield. Unlike the Mercury and Apollo spacecraft, Gemini did not have an escape tower to pull it away from the booster during a launch emergency.

THE GEMINI HEAT SHIELD. A heat shield protected the Gemini spacecraft against the enormous heat generated by reentry into the atmosphere at more than 27,500 kilometers (17,000 miles) per hour. Like those of other early American and Soviet manned spacecraft, Gemini's heat shield derived from ballistic-missile warhead technology.